Evil Quote by Voltaire
“A little evil is often necessary for obtaining a great good.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical essay, Voltaire, 1763
Minor wrongdoing may be justified if it leads to a greater overall benefit.
In simple terms: Small evils can enable big goods.
Key Takeaway
Weigh outcomes before judging actions.
Themes
ethics
consequentialism
morality
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political decision
- medical trial
- environmental policy
- war strategy
Key Concepts
philosophy
utilitarianism
justice
Questions to Reflect On
- When does the cost outweigh the benefit?
- Who decides what is “great good”?
A Different Perspective
Ends‑justify‑means can be abused, leading to moral erosion.
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
